1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1998 Renault Clio
To start off, 1998 Renault Clio is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1998 Renault Clio. (64 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 740 kg more than 1998 Renault Clio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ford Thunderbird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Renault Clio, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Clio. (118 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Clio. 1996 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1998 Renault Clio has manual transmission. 1998 Renault Clio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 1998 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Thunderbird | Clio |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1783 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
